Sports training aid

ABSTRACT

A sports training aid comprising a frame with skate-like and hockey stick-like members attached thereto and including transverse member arranged to support a backboard to simulate an opposing player. This training aid is intended to assist the novice hockey player in developing the skills associated with maneuvering the hockey puck around and/or through an opponent. The device consists of a frame having a longitudinal member connected to a transverse member, the transverse member having leg members each terminating in a skate simulation member and a distal end of the longitudinal member terminating in a hockey stick-like member, an upright frame member supports a backboard.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No. 16/407,693 filed 9 May 2019.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Puck handling is an important aspect of the game of hockey. Proficient puck-handling allows a hockey player to outmaneuver opponents while in control of the puck and to prevent an opponent from taking possession of the puck. Proficient puck-handling also helps hockey players to make better passes to teammates and to deliver better shots.

Because puck-handling is such an important part of the game of hockey, training exercises focusing on this aspect of the game have been performed since the game originated. A typical puck-handling training exercise, for example, consists of a player moving a puck quickly in a pre-determined pattern in front of the player. In teaching this training exercise, coaches frequently instruct their players to imagine the desired puck path on the playing surface, and to move the puck along that imaginary path, or alternatively place cones or some other device on the playing surface to define the desired path and then instruct the player moves the puck around the cones.

While these types of exercises are important and beneficial to developing puck-handling skills, they do not teach the player the specific skills associated with moving a puck around an opposing player. An important aspect of puck-handling skills is the ability to maneuver a puck around or through an opposing player. To establish one-on-one individual play competence, a hockey player must learn to maintain control of a puck while skating past an opposing player. The technique of moving the puck past an opposing player is often called “attacking-the-triangle”. The triangle referred to is defined by imaginary lines connecting a defending player's two skates and his or her stick. A puck-handling player approaching an opponent has three basic options for bringing the puck around or through the opponent. The puck-handler can take the puck swiftly around the left or right side of the opponent's skates and stick, the puck-handler can fake one way and then move the puck between the heel of the opponent's stick and in front of the toes of the opponent's skates and then shift to pick up the puck and continue on around the opponent on either side, or the puck handler can move the puck between the opponent's skates and around the defender on either side. Supplementing these three basic options, a player can use a combination of other fakes and maneuvers to beat the defensive player. The concept of attacking the triangle provides a concrete focus to assist the novice in learning this basic puck-handling skill.

Teaching the technique of attacking the triangle typically has required two hockey players, the puck handler and the defensive opponent. This teaching method is inefficient tor instructing novice hockey players because it requires a second hockey player to act as an opponent to the player developing skills in attacking the triangle. If an unskilled player participates in the role of ‘opponent’ then poor movement or stick placement by such novice may negate much of the benefit of the exercise to the puck handler. On the other hand, if a skilled player or coach acts as the opponent it is an inefficient use of one-on-one instruction for this skill. Because puck handling is a skill that requires a lot of practice and repetition, it would be advantageous if most or all of the repetition drills could be performed alone by the individual learning the skill, without enlisting the help of a second player or coach.

Another disadvantage of attempting to learn this puck-handling skill with another player is that, when practicing or playing against a live person, novice hockey players and children in particular, tend to focus on the body of the opponent. Learning the skills required to attack the triangle requires that the player focus on the stick and skates of an opponent. Therefore, it is a disadvantage to have a live opponent, player or coach, because it distracts the attention of the student from the triangle formed by the skates and hockey stick of the opponent. It is also more difficult to acquire these skills against a live player because the novice is generally forced to deal with not only a moving puck but also a moving ‘triangle’. It would be beneficial to the novice hockey player to have a stationary, or a more predictably movable, ‘opponent’ to initially practice these skills.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a device that satisfies the need for a hockey training device that assists in teaching novice hockey players the puck-handling skills required to maneuver a hockey puck past an opponent.

In particular, the present invention provides a hockey training device that is improved over prior art devices and comprises a frame supporting three legs arranged in a triangular configuration. Two of these legs each include a skate-like element for simulating the skates of an opponent, and the third leg member includes a hockey stick-like component attached to it for simulating the bottom portion of the hockey stick of an opponent. The skate-like and stick-like components have coplanar bottom edges so that when the device is placed on a flat surface, such as an ice rink, the skate-like elements and the stick-like element simulate the lower portion of a hockey opponent allowing the trainee to practice the basic skills associated with attacking the triangle. Prior art devices such as those seen in FIG. 1, may aid in training, but are not ideal. For example, because the frame has a relatively low profile, the player may easily manipulate the hockey stick over the frame to gain access to the puck. This strategy is unlike real time play in which the opponent's body prevents this tactic. Hence there is a need to improve known training devices to more realistically simulate actual game conditions. The frame of the present device further includes an upright frame member. The frame member is arranged to support a backboard and has a height approximate to an opponent.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a training device that can be used by an individual hockey player, without requiring a second hockey player's assistance.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a training device that encourages and assists the novice hockey player to concentrate and focus attention on the skates and stick of the opponent, while further simulating the height of an opponent.

In addition to the explicitly claimed method and apparatus described herein, as such, it is to be understood that all new and useful devices or components described herein are considered to constitute a part of the invention, claimable in their own right, whether such is stated with particularity herein or not.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art sports training aid.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sports training aid according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the training aid illustrated in FIG. 2 and showing the backboard removed from the upright frame member.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view similar to that of FIG. 3, but showing an alternative backboard and upright frame member.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view, similar to that of FIG. 2, but showing another embodiment of a sports training aid according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to that of FIG. 5, but with the back board removed.

FIG. 6A is a partially exploded view of the device illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the transverse member illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the transverse member illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary enlarged view of the area noted as FIG. 9 in the view of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary, enlarged view of the area noted as FIG. 10 in the view of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a sports training aid according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment, similar to that of FIG. 11, bur showing the sports training aid having skate simulation members oriented in opposite directions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.

With attention to FIGS. 2-4, a sports training aid 10 according to the present invention may be seen. As shown, the present invention provides a training device 10 that roughly simulates the triangular region beneath a hockey opponent, as described above. In an embodiment, the device 10 consists of a frame 12 including a longitudinal member 20 having a distal end 14 and a proximal end 16. The proximal end 16 being connected to a transverse member 22. The longitudinal member 20 may be connected to the transverse member 22 in a conventional manner, such as by pressure fit, screws, or connectors, by way of non-limiting examples. The transverse member 22 includes a first and second end, 24A, 24B equally disposed on either side of, and perpendicular to, the longitudinal member 20.

The first and second ends 24A, 24B of the transverse member 22 are each attached to a respective leg member 26 which is downwardly disposed from, and generally perpendicular to the transverse member 22 and parallel to the longitudinal member 20. The distal end 28 of each respective leg member 26 terminate in parallel skate simulation members 30 to simulate the feet and skates of an opponent. In a preferred embodiment the skate simulation members 30 are integrally formed with the leg members 26. When the device 10 is assembled, the parallel skate simulation members 30 are approximately 18 inches apart, and have a bottom edge that is approximately 12 inches long, approximating a typical size and spacing for the skates of a hockey player.

As is further seen, the distal end 14 of the longitudinal member 20 is shaped in a downwardly disposed manner and terminates in a hockey stick-like member 32 simulating the bottom section of an opponent's hockey stick. In a preferred embodiment the stick-like member 32 includes a heel 34 which is approximately 24 inches in front of, and approximately centered on, the forward edge 36 of the skate-like members 30, approximating a typical hockey stick placement of an opposing hockey player.

An upright frame 40 to support a backboard 42 is attached to, extending upwardly from and generally parallel to, the transverse member 22. The upright frame 40 may be fabricated from spring steel, wire, or any other suitable light weight, flexible material. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the upright frame 40 may be looped in a manner that provides lightweight rigidity to support the backboard 42. The backboard 42 may be directly affixed to the upright frame 40 in a known manner, or the backboard 42 may be in the form of a sleeve having a pocket to receive the upright frame member 40. As shown, the upright frame 40 and backboard 42, approximate the placement of an opposing hockey player torso.

With attention now to FIGS. 5-10, another embodiment of the sports training aide 10A may be seen. Similar to the previous embodiment, the device 10A of these views simulates the triangular region beneath a hockey opponent. As shown, the device 10A includes a frame 12A and a longitudinal member 20. The frame 12A includes a transverse member 22A and a pair of supporting leg members 26A.

With particular attention to FIGS. 7-9, a transverse member 22A for use with device 10A may be seen. As shown, the transverse member 22A includes an elongated body 44 having a first end 24A and an oppositely disposed second end 24B. Each of the ends 24A, 24B terminating in a downwardly curved attachment portion 46. The attachment portion 46 further includes at least one abutment member 48 (see FIG. 9), the abutment member 48 being arranged for snap fit with a leg member 26A (see FIG. 6).

As seen particularly in the views of FIGS. 7 and 8, the elongated body 44 of the transverse member 22A further includes a top surface 50 and an oppositely disposed bottom surface 52. The top surface 50 having a longitudinally extending slot 54 formed therein. The bottom surface 52 of the transverse member 22A preferably includes a laterally extending bracket member 56. As seen in FIG. 8, the bracket member 56 may include at least one support flange 58. The bracket member 56 and support flange 58 are arranged to support a back board 42, if used (see FIG. 5) in the slot 54.

With further attention to FIGS. 7 and 8, the top surface 50 of the elongated body 44 of transverse member 22A may be seen to include a pair of spaced apart, generally parallel edges 60. As shown, each edge 60 terminates in a respective side wall 62. The side walls 62 extending normal to the top surface 50. At least one of the side walls 62 may include at least one mounting peg 64. The mounting peg 64 being preferably located between the ends 24A, 24B and extending normal to the side wall 62. It is to be understood that while the Figures illustrate both side walls 62 having a mounting peg 64, it is within the scope of the invention to provide a selected one side wall 62 with a mounting peg 64, or alternatively, neither side wall 62 with a mounting peg 64.

With attention now to FIGS. 6 and 6A, and similar to that of the previous embodiment, the device 10A is seen to include a longitudinal member 20. The longitudinal member 20 is mounted to the transverse member 22A such that it is generally perpendicular to, and equally spaced between ends 24A, 24B. As shown, the longitudinal member 20 includes a distal end 14 and a proximal end 16. The proximal end 16 being connected to the transverse member 24A at a mounting peg 64. Although the longitudinal member 20 may be connected to the transverse member 24A by way of a mounting peg 64, it is within the scope of the invention to connect the longitudinal member 20 to the transverse member 22A in a conventional manner, such as by pressure fit, screws, or connectors, by way of non-limiting examples.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5-6A, the distal end 14 of the longitudinal member 20 approximates the appearance of a hockey stick and terminates in a hockey stick, blade-like member 32. The blade-like member 32 simulates the blade of an opponent's hockey stick (not shown). In a preferred embodiment the blade-like member 32 includes a heel 34.

As is illustrated in the views of FIGS. 5-6A, and similar to the previous embodiment, the first and second ends 24A, 24B of the transverse member 22A are each attached to a respective leg member 26A. Each leg member 26A is downwardly disposed from, and outwardly angled relative the transverse member 22A. Moreover, the distal end 28 of each respective leg member 26A terminates in parallel skate simulation members 30 to simulate the feet and skates of an opponent (not shown). In a preferred embodiment the skate simulation members 30 are integrally formed with the leg members 26A. When the device 10A is assembled, the parallel skate simulation members 30 are spaced apart approximately 18 inches, and have a bottom edge 66 that is approximately 12 inches long, thus approximating the typical size and spacing for skates of a hockey player (not shown). Moreover, the heel 34 of the blade-like member 32 is approximately 24 inches in front of, and approximately centered on, the forward edge 36 of the skate simulation members 30, approximating a typical hockey stick placement of an opposing hockey player.

Similar to the previous embodiment, and as seen in FIG. 5, a backboard 42 may be utilized with the device 10A to approximate and simulate the placement of an opponent (see FIG. 5). The backboard 42 may be affixed within the slot 54 and supported by the bracket member 56 and support flange 58. When affixed, the backboard 42 extends upwardly from and generally parallel to, the transverse member 22A. The backboard 42 may be fabricated from any suitable light weight material, such as cardboard, fabric, or polymer.

With attention now to FIGS. 11 and 12, the device 10A may be seen in use with more than one longitudinal member 20. As shown, each member of a pair of longitudinal members 20 may be located on opposite side walls 62 of the transverse member 22A. This arrangement increases the number of players (not shown) able to practice with a single device 10A. The view of FIG. 12 also illustrates an alternative arrangement of the skate simulation members 30, in which the members 30 may be placed such that the forward edges 36 face in opposite directions.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims. 

I/we claim:
 1. A sports training device, comprising: a frame member, said frame member including a transverse member and a pair of supporting leg members, said transverse member including an elongated body having a first end and an oppositely disposed second end, each of said first end and said second end terminating in a downwardly curved attachment portion wherein said attachment portion further includes at least one abutment member, said abutment member being arranged for snap fit with a respective leg member; and a longitudinal member.
 2. The sports training device of claim 1 wherein said elongated body of said transverse member further includes a top surface and an oppositely disposed bottom surface, said top surface having a longitudinally extending slot formed therein.
 3. The sports training device of claim 2 further including a back board, and wherein said bottom surface of said transverse member includes a laterally extending bracket member, said bracket member including at least one support flange, said bracket member and said support flange arranged to support said back board in said slot.
 4. The sports training device of claim 2 wherein said top surface of said elongated body of said transverse member includes a pair of spaced apart, parallel edges, each edge terminating in a respective side wall, each of said side walls extending normal to said top surface, and wherein at least one of said side wails includes a mounting peg.
 5. The sports training device of claim 4 wherein said mounting peg is positioned between said first end and said second end, and extends normal to said side wall.
 6. The sports training device of claim 4 wherein said longitudinal member further includes a distal end and a proximal end, said proximal end being connected to said transverse member and extending perpendicularly from and spaced between said first end and said second end.
 7. The sports training aid of claim 6 wherein said proximal end of said longitudinal member is connected to the transverse member at said mounting peg.
 8. The sports training aid of claim 6 wherein said distal end of said longitudinal member approximates the appearance of a hockey stick and terminates in a hockey stick, blade-like member. 